Messi scores twice, reaches 25 MLS goals in Miami's 3-1 win over Atlanta

Lionel Messi scored two second-half goals as Inter Miami defeated Atlanta United 3-1 away on Saturday, extending their winning streak to three consecutive games. Germán Berterame opened the scoring for Miami in the 45th minute before Messi took over after halftime, striking in the 56th and 60th minutes with solo efforts. Atlanta pulled back a late consolation goal through Fafà Picault's 89th-minute penalty.

Messi's two-goal performance took his MLS-leading seasonal tally to 25 goals. He also recorded a secondary assist on Berterame's opener, bringing his assists total to 15 for the season—tying LAFC's Son Heung-Min for the league lead. More significantly, Messi became the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons. The goals extended his streak to 13 consecutive matches with a goal contribution, tying his second-longest such streak across his entire career.

Miami's victory moved the club to 55 points from 30 games, consolidating second place in the Eastern Conference—behind Nashville—and securing homefield advantage for the first round of the playoffs. The club clinched their playoff spot on Wednesday and are attempting to become the first back-to-back MLS Cup winners since LA Galaxy in 2011–12. Atlanta remained in 14th place with 30 points, facing long odds to reach the postseason.

Miami manager Cristian "Kily" González praised Messi's performance and demeanor. "I can't believe this guy does what he does at 39 years of age," González said. "And what makes me happiest is that he's happy. Because he's happy, he gives everything he has." The coach also expressed confidence that Messi, who reached 936 career goals, would achieve the 1,000-goal milestone.

The fixture marked Messi's first visit to Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium since the 2026 World Cup semifinal in July, when he provided two assists in Argentina's victory over England. Messi has recorded four goals in three games since retiring from international play following a friendly against Benin earlier this month.